It was far after the night, and the sun had been up for about three hours. Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus didn't sleep a wink. How could they after the dark revelation that Discord had given to them earlier in the previous evening. Things have gotten from bad to worst. First they thought they had to stop Chrysalis from taking over Equestria, now the group learned that an even greater threat so horrible that will cause the very end of this world would arise sometime later that very day. The twelve have since moved from the library back into the throne room, discussing the matter at hand while the rest of the castle and Canterlot slept, save for the royal guards doing their nightly duty.

Shining Armor and Cadence were with the rest instead of the hospital wing of the castle. Their recovery went without any complications and thought they still had to take it easy, they were nevertheless walking about. Despite hearing the horrible tale of what things that was coming, Spike was still a baby dragon and had fallen asleep throughout the night and had a habit of sleeping in late. Twilight walked over to his little basket bed she had conjured for him and looked down sadly at him. As he slept peacefully, Twilight couldn't help but smile faintly and she kissed him gently on the cheek before pulling the covers over him some more. However, the small smile vanished as she turned and walked back towards her friends who were gathered at the base of the throne.

"What are we going to do? The solar eclipse is today.'' Fluttershy asked fear in her voice.

"Fluttershy's right,'' Rarity spoke up. "We have to do something to prevent this great disaster. Does anypony know when the Harmonic Conjunction is supposed to begin?''

Celestia, who had been pacing restlessly stopped and sighed. "It will begin with the sun is at its highest, soon after the moon with cross its path, starting the solar eclipse and completing the conjunction.''

Luna nodded sadly, "Yes. About noon, that is when the sun will be at its utmost high.''

"Then we have until noon today to stop Chrysalis before she makes the biggest regret of her life,'' Quentin spoke seriously.

Applejack nodded firmly, ''Which will spell a heapin' trouble fer us all when that happens.''

"Then what are we waiting for then? Let's go and find Chrysalis and beat her royal flank once and for all!'' Rainbow Dash declared with determination, taking to the air.

"Hold yer horses girl. We don't even know where the Changelings even live,'' Applejack reasoned.

Arcanus responded, sitting on his haunches, ''I have tried to locate their dwelling before. Though some unseen magic obscured my vision, I did see a strange, massive rock formation in the form of a castle of some sort. However, where this castle is I do not know.''

The rest of their faces fell instantly.

"But isn't there anything in those dusty books that might tell us where those nasty Changelings live?'' Pinkie Pie asked and then turned to Twilight, a smile on her face. "C'mon Twilight. I bet you've read a ton of books at least twice, I bet you know anything that could help.''

It was pretty surprising that Pinkie Pie would still be so cheerful in stressful times like this, but she's not the Element of Laughter for no reason one would suppose.

"I've read then ten times actually,'' Twilight muttered, shaking her head. "But any books about Changelings only tell what they are or do, never where they live. No pony have seen them often so there's no written record on where their home, nest, or whatever they call it is!''

Discord stood and spoke seriously, ''Well if you ponies value you harmony, then I suggest that you come up with a plan to find out where Chrysalis is and stop her before it's too late.'' Discord then shuddered, a true look of disturbance and possible fear on his face. "I can feel it...Chthon's power especially with the six Cosmic Gems together.''

"Well then instead of standing there, why don't you help us come up with a plan!'' Twilight retorted with an angry glare.

Rainbow Dash added aggressively, ''Yeah, why don't ya quit yappin and actually make yourself useful!''

Discord growled, ''Look Colors, I did give you all the information about Chthon. If you ponies had used the Elements of Harmony in the first place this wouldn't be happening!''

"What did you say?!'' Rainbow Dash argued back, getting in his face ready for a fight.

"Enough Discord!'' Luna scolded, causing the draconequus to stare at her with a fierce gaze.

"We've tried our very best to stop Chrysalis from accomplishing her plan, but we've never once even thought that something like this would arise!''

"That's right! The princess were the first to act on this situation and were gone for quite some time to handle it.'' Rarity added with a frown.

Discord rolled his eyes and argued, ''Oh right, that really made all the difference! Even with a head start, you still failed at stopping Chrysalis...the Princesses of Equestria everypony!'' Discord announced mockingly and the sound of booing and jeering rang out of nowhere.

Quentin and the rest of his friends were at their breaking point, but before any of them could react Celestia spoke with a stern, calm tone, "Enough!''

They all instantly turned their attention to the elder princess as she continued. "All this arguing is getting us nowhere! Noon is approaching and time is running out!''

The seven friends all looked at each other uncertainly but Discord continued to be defiant. "Look little miss sun butt, I wasn't the one who caused all this to happen. When it's me you blast me with the Elements posthaste, but anypony else you take your sweet little royal time doing it!''

Celestia frowned deeper and she growled, ''Discord, for the last time we didn't know what the Cosmic Gems were and what legacy they possessed and your grievances aren't helping matters. Reformed or not unless you don't want to be cast out of the castle or made stone again I suggest you stop harassing us and help us deal with this!''

Quentin, Twilight, and the rest looked back and forth at the two entities as Discord glared Celestia down with a low growl as she returned the gaze with gritted teeth. Finally, Discord let out a frustrated cry and whipped around, bringing his eagle claw upward and raking his face as he muttered discontent.

"Chthon can't come back...if he does we're dead...I'M dead!''

The others all looked at each other with uncertain frowns and Fluttershy flew next to Discord and patted his back reassuringly. "It'll be ok Discord. There's no need to cause all this disturbance,'' Fluttershy cooed softly.

Discord said nothing, just shook his head with his face still in his claw. Twilight stepped forward with a serious, determined expression and agreed,'' Fluttershy's right Discord. We've never met a villain that could stand up to the Elements of Harmony.''

Discord brought his claw down and turned around slightly and argued, ''Don't you ponies get it? Chthon isn't a villain, he IS the incarnation of evil, the lord of all darkness, the God-''

"The God of Chaos. Ok bad dude, we get it!'' Quentin interrupted with a slight frown.

Discord replied with a sort of mutter growl as he face away from us once again. "No you don't...you don't know Chthon like I do.''

"Well he doesn't know us! We've had our close calls before, but we made through in the end!'' Rainbow Dash declared proudly.

Dash then flashed a wink at Quentin and he smirked as the rest of their friends smiled faintly at their past, close calls, but Discord said grimly, ''Fools. No matter how many times I explain it, you still don't understand. You thought my chaos was bad...Chthon's is a million times worse than mine. And at high noon today, you will see.''

Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin looked at Discord with disheartening glances while Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus frowned with gritted teeth. An hour later, Luna was out on a balcony that a glass door in the throne room led to. She went over to the ledge and gazed sadly out into Canterlot. Quentin noticed her leaving and he went out to join her, wandering if she was alright.

"Luna, is everything ok?'' the stallion asked with concern as he stood beside her.

She merely looked at Quentin sadly and shook her head before shifting her gaze back over the edge. "It's just...last night while Equestria was bathed in my night, I took a moment to venture into their dreams.''

Quentin almost did a double take and his mouth hung open for a moment. "Wait, you mean to tell me that you can actually go into people-I mean, other ponies' dreams?!''

Luna looked at her friend with a faint smile and nodded. "Yes Quentin. I am the princess of the night, thus it is my duty to go into their dreams.''

Quentin nodded with a slight smirk. "I guess that makes sense,'' he answered with a slight chuckle, but then became serious again. "Is that what's troubling you?''

Luna sighed somberly and gazed back out onto the city. "Not in the least. It was just, despite what had happened in Canterlot and Ponyville, their dreams were unhindered by nightmares...just sweet dreams full of joy and merriment.''

At this Luna smiled faintly but also with warmth as she recalled her visit into her subjects' dreams. Quentin looked at Luna for a bit before staring out in the same direction as her. "It's probably because you and Celestia have finally returned. Knowing that their rulers are back, they probably feel as if everything will be ok.''

Luna said nothing, just sighed as she closed her eyes. His gaze went down onto the city, though they were at a very high altitude, they could still make out the colorful figures of ponies going about their business. Though all of them were doing different activities, what they shared in common was a carefree day through their majestic city. Quentin muttered.

''They have no idea don't they? That Chrysalis, in her quest for power might inadvertently awaken an ancient evil and fulfill a dark prophecy? They have no idea that next solar eclipse is supposedly going to signal the end of the world. They have absolutely no idea that the end of the world...is supposed to be today.''

The more these thoughts dwelled in Quentin's head, the more unnerving and troubled he got. Though Equestria has its share of problems, it was the closest thing to a utopia compared to his world. While Earth still had its share of beauties and wonders, this did not change the fact that it was sometimes dull, repetitive, and with bland and muted out colors. The colors in Equestria were always vibrant and lush. Everything always feels so lively here, inhabited by sentient a species who were nearly pure in heart and endless with kindness, and generosity. Quentin did not want to see such a beautiful world be corrupted or destroyed in any way...he won't see such a dark vision become reality.

Luna opened her eyes and looked at Quentin sadly, ''No they do not, and frankly, I want it to stay that way. I do not wish panic among them.''

Quentin nodded silently. After a brief moment of silence, he decided to speak. "Hey Luna?''

"Yes, Quentin?" Luna answered, looking at her human friend.

"My friends told me how you when ballistic when Chrysalis almost strangled me to death. They told me how your eyes were glowing, and how your voice bellowed. They said it was a pretty scary sight. Is that true?'' Quentin asked, not taking his eyes off the princess of the night.

Luna nodded and looked at Quentin with a serious yet also sad expression. "I didn't know what came over myself really. I just couldn't bear to see you on the verge of death like that.'' Luna placed a hoof on to his on the ledge, surprising the stallion as Quentin looked from their hooves and into the beautiful princess' eyes. "I consider you the first true friend I've made Quentin. You're not worth losing, not for a simple stone.'' Luna explained sadly.

Quentin sighed, "Well that 'simple stone' is going to help Equestria being taken over or worst.''

Quentin looked away, still feeling guilty that he was in a situation that caused his friends to give up the final component in an evil queen's plan, but Luna lifted her hoof to his chin and gently pulled Quentin's face so he was facing her. She gave him a soft, weary smile and spoke.

''Like my sister said, now that you are in out kingdom, your life is precious to us. And I will never sacrifice your wellbeing for a gem.''

Quentin was just speechless. Here was a princess, a pony he's just met not too long ago and she cares about him as if they've been friends forever. Now Quentin truly seen how much he meant to her.

"I won't let anything like that happen to you again Quentin. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I ever lost you,'' Luna spoke softly, as she brought Quentin in for an embrace.

Quentin let of a long, soft sigh as he wrapped his forelegs around Luna's neck. "You're not going to lose me Luna, I promise. Though we just met not too long ago, you've been a good friend to me.''

Luna looked at him, ''But of course, I want our friendship to grow.''

The earth pony nodded with a small smile. "And so do I your high-bwahag!'' Before Quentin could finish, Luna placed her hoof over his mouth with a faint smile.

''Please Quentin, don't ever call me that again. Address me as you would any other friend.''

Quentin nodded once she took her hoof away from his mouth, ''Ok Luna, and don't worry it will be fine.''

Luna gazed at Quentin perplexed at his words. "What do you mean?''

"I mean, whatever's going on, it'll be ok,'' Quentin spoke with a warm smile.

Luna stared at him blankly for a few moments before sighing solemnly. ''I hope so too Quentin, but-''

"But nothing!'' Quentin cut in abruptly, shocking Luna. "I may be from another world, and I may have only been in Equestria for only four short weeks, but I've really come to love this world and the ponies in. Plus we have the Elements of Harmony at our side, so there's no way that anything bad is going to happen.''

Luna shook her head with a small, faint smile. "Quentin...''

Quentin smiled and took his friend's hoof in his. "Don't worry Luna, whatever bad that happens, it'll pass to make way for an even brighter day.''

His words seemed to have reassured Luna and she gave Quentin a fond smile. "Quentin...thank thee for such comforting words. If things don't turn for the worst, I would like us to have a real, pleasant conversation over a spot of tea.''

"WHEN things don't turn for the worst,'' Quentin corrected firmly, before smiling warmly at her. "And that sounds like a plan Luna.''

Luna giggled before the two shared another embrace. After a few moments, they broke apart and Luna spoke with a serious face. "Let us go back inside Quentin. Together, let's figure out a way to stop Chrysalis from making the biggest mistake of her life.''

Quentin nodded firmly and the both of them proceeded to walk towards the doorway, with the stallion following Luna, but then he suddenly spoke out.

"Hey Luna?'' Luna looked over at him, ''Yes Quentin.''

He didn't know what possessed him to do it, but Quentin just quickly strode over to his friend and embraced her. "Quentin? Are thee alright?'' Luna asked with a bewildered expression.

"I...I just want to thank you. Thank you for you and Celestia for leaving an opportunity for me to come to this world,'' Quentin spoke tenderly.

Luna looked surprised for a brief moment, before smiling warmly and returning the hug. "I'm the one that's thankful Quentin. I'm thankful that is was you that the well chose to appear itself to. Like I said before, you fit the merits to come to Equestria perfectly,'' Luna whispered in Quentin's ear.

Quentin's heart warmed at her words. Though when he first came there, Quentin was confused and afraid and was eager to return back to Earth, but after spending three weeks here with his six precious, Quentin couldn't imagine living life without getting to know each one of them. He looked at Luna and responded with a slight sigh.

"I'm really not that special to be honest, but I'm glad to have met you, Celestia, and of course my six friends.''

Luna smiled at him and gave the human a surprise nuzzle to his face. "But you are special Quentin. To me, and especially to your friends.''

Quentin sighed happily as he closed his eyes as the beautiful princess of the night nuzzled him. After a moment, Luna broke the nuzzle and decided that they should make way back inside. As Luna went through the doorway, she stopped and nodded.

''Rainbow Dash,'' Luna greeted politely.

Indeed, Quentin saw the bold, rainbow maned Pegasus had walked towards them. "Yeah, hey there Princess Luna,'' Rainbow Dash greeted, giving Luna a slight bow. Luna smiled softly, but soon became serious as she walked passed her and into the castle.

"Hey Rainbow, what's up?'' Quentin said to his cyan friend.

Rainbow Dash's behavior surprised him, instead of the bold, daring Pegasus Quentin had known her to be, she seemed rather...awkward, uncertain, nervous even. "O-Oh heya Quentin,'' Rainbow Dash greeted uneasily.

Quentin cocked his head to the side in bewilderment. What was wrong with her? In fact she's been displaying weird behavior for weeks now since Quentin had been here. It kind of started just a little bit after the chimera attack.

"Rainbow Dash, what is it? Is something wrong?'' Quentin finally asked.

Rainbow Dash said nothing, and looked away briefly before looking at him with a fake smile. "Uh, y-yeah Q, I'm good. Why wouldn't I be?'' Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her head, but Quentin saw through her ploy and he decided to speak.

"You're lying.'' His response caught the Pegasus off guard and she denied frantically.

''What?! Whaddya mean? I'm OK!''

Quentin looked at her with a stern look, ''It's faint, but something's bothering you. In fact, you've been acting like this around me more than a few times for a few weeks now. I may have known you only for a couple of weeks, but I've learned how you normally behave.'' He then softened his expression and placed a hoof on her shoulder. "Now come on, tell me what's bothering you.''

Rainbow Dash had tensed up at his touch, but quickly relaxed. His prying seemed to unnerve her and she glanced quickly around while looking scared, but finally sighed deeply in defeat.

"I'm fine Quentin it's just...yesterday I almost saw you die...I'm just worried about you.''

Quentin sighed, ''Rainbow, I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine now really. Yeah I had some fatigue from the loss of oxygen but that's over now. So stop worrying about me.''

Rainbow nodded with an embarrassed grin, ''Yeah, OK. I mean ya did take down a chimera all by yourself after all. Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.''

Rainbow Dash then gazed away with a somber look. Quentin saw this and sighed, regretting being so blunt in his response and he brought her in for a one leg embrace, shocking her. "No really Rainbow, it's ok. I'm really glad to know that you care so deeply for me.''

Rainbow Dash stared blankly for a moment, a blush coming to her face before closing her eyes and sighed, returning the embrace. "Of course I care about you Q, we've gotten so tight over the past few weeks. I'll always have your back.''

Quentin smiled fondly at his friend's loyalty and spoke softly, ''No, I'll always have your back Dash.''

At this, Rainbow Dash smiled warmly to herself. They soon broke apart and when Quentin looked at her he saw that her face was a light, rosy red, the blush having never left her cheeks.

"Are you sure that's all that's bothering you Dash? I mean, your face is pretty red. Do you have a fever?'' He raised a hoof in an attempt to feel her forehead, but Rainbow quickly drew back.

"Oh yeah Q, I'm fine! It's just a little hot out here. First day of summer ya know!'' Dash tried to reason.

It was true, it was pretty hot today, hey even Quentin was beginning to sweat. He nodded, ''Ok, let's go back in with the others.''

"Yeah, right behind you Quentin,'' Rainbow Dash answered.

As Quentin walked passed her, Rainbow Dash had a look as if she was having some sort of inner conflict within herself. Finally she called loudly, ''Quentin wait!''

The stallion froze in his tracks and whipped around. "Yeah Dash, what is it?''

Rainbow Dash bit her lip and looked away uncertainly, as if trying to find the right words to say. Quentin stared at her, his head cocked to one side as he waited for a response. Finally, Rainbow Dash looked at him that blush still on her face with an uneasy look and spoke.

''T-there is something I want to tell you.''

"Ok, what it is" Quentin asked, intrigued at what she wanted to tell him.

Rainbow nodded and took a deep, long sigh, to compose herself. Apparently, she needed all the courage to tell Quentin what she needed to say. "You remember that night when we flew together? And I asked you if you ever felt like you were missing out on something?''

Quentin thought back to that night where Rainbow Dash had took him on a flight through the skies and smiled faintly with a nod. "Yeah I do. What about it though?''

Rainbow took another deep breath and looked at him, with an uneasy gaze, the blush never leaving. "W-Well what I meant was...lately I've been feeling like I've been missing out on something.''

Quentin blinked a few times quizzically. "Really, like what?''

Rainbow Dash nervously walked closer to him, narrowing the gap between them. Quentin found it quite odd and a sinking feeling came to his gut. "Rainbow?'' he asked uncertainly.

Rainbow lightly gritted her teeth as she looked at Quentin with a strange gaze, a looked that seemed to telling she desperately wanted to tell him something. They were a mere few feet away from each other, gazing into each other's eyes as Rainbow Dash continued.

"Quentin, what I'm trying to say is...I think that...that I-'' before Rainbow Dash could finished, a voice called.

''Quentin! Rainbow Dash! You two should really come back. We need all the help we can get to figure out a plan!''

Quentin and Rainbow Dash both jumped and Quentin whipped his head around to see Twilight standing halfway from the doorway. She had a rather disapproving look on her face, probably from the stress of the situation at hand, or hoof in this case.

"Yeah, coming Twi!'' Quentin answered. He turned back to the cyan Pegasus. "Twilight's right. We need to deal with this now. Can whatever you need to tell me wait till after this is over with?''

Rainbow Dash grinned brightly, her blush vanishing. "Yeah, sure thing Q! No need to worry about it. It can definitely wait.''

Quentin smiled softly with a nod and patted her on the shoulder and went back inside. As he walked towards Twilight, she asked him, ''Quentin, is everything alright between you and Rainbow Dash?''

Quentin nodded, '''Yeah, we were just talking.''

"About what exactly?'' Twilight asked cautiously, as if she was almost frightened.

"Just things that happened lately,'' the stallion shrugged. "Nothing too critical.''

"Oh ok,'' Twilight seemed rather relieved about that. "Well let's get back to the others.''

Quentin nodded, and walked with Twilight back to the group, with Twilight walked rather close to the stallion's side, but he paid no attention. Rainbow Dash stood on the balcony and formed an irritated frown as she lowered her head and grumbled, ''Thanks a lot Twilight. After I finally…UGH!''

Rainbow Dash let out a frustrated cry followed by long sigh and she reluctantly hovered and flew in to meet the rest back in the corridor.

Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Quentin made it back to the group, with him standing beside Applejack. While the rest of the group formed a sort of a circle, Discord hovered near one of the stained glassed windows, moping somberly as he looked at the window.

"So what are we going to do about this? If what everything you told us is true, it's only a matter of time before the Changeling Queen attacks!'' Shining Armor spoke up with a serious gaze.

"But what about this Chthon...he can't really be an actual being can he?'' Cadence asked skeptically.

"According to Discord he is,'' Celestia answered, her head lowered a bit with a firm tone." I know Discord can still have questionable traits, and he certainly isn't above deceiving, but something tells me he isn't lying about this.''

Celestia looked up at the hovering Discord. "I've never seen him this frazzled and unnerved about anything before.''

"Sister it's already passed ten o'clock. The Harmonic Conjunction begins in no less than two hours and at that time, we will be powerless to control the moon and sun,'' Luna spoke urgently.

Celestia sighed and looked at her younger sister regrettably, ''I know Luna, but we don't know the first place to start looking.''

After a brief silence and looking around at each other, Twilight suddenly spoke up with a look of realization, ''Hang on!''

They all looked at the purple unicorn, her tiara upon her head. "Twilight what is it. Did you come up with something?'' Rarity asked eagerly.

Twilight nodded, ''Chrysalis said she was going to put her final plan into motion right?''

"Yeahhhh, annnnd?'' Rainbow Dash egged on with a confused frown.

"And the Book of Omniscience said that collecting the Cosmic Gems isn't enough. They also need to find a way to merge their powers to become omnipotent!''

Quentin widened his eyes at the revelation. "She's right. And if that's the case...''

"That's the final part of her plan. That's where she'll probably be heading next!'' Twilight concluded.

The others all chattered, filled with hope that they might have found a lead. Discord peered over his shoulder and looked down, his face twisted with a deep, thoughtful frown.

"Brilliant Twilight Sparkle!'' Arcanus praised, causing the unicorn to blush and look away humbly.

Pinkie Pie suddenly bounced all around excitedly, ''Yay! So all we need to do is go to the place where she'll merge of the gems to become an even more nasty, meanie!'' Pinkie Pie then suddenly stopped in midair and scratched her head confusingly, ''Um, where would that be exactly?''

"I...have no idea,'' Twilight began confidently before trailing off and letting off a frustrated cry. All her friend's faces fell instantly.

"Well, I guess we're back ta square one y'all,'' Applejack announced disheartened.

"Chrysalis needs to merge the gems together, so she had to have taken them to some kind of device to channel their powers into herself,'' Celestia deduced.

"No...she couldn't possibly be going there!' 'Discord suddenly spoke up in disbelief and horror.

The equines all looked at the spirit as Fluttershy asked, ''What do you mean? She couldn't possibly be going where?''

Discord paced in the air a few times before finally turning his attention towards us and came down. "Chthon's resting place...the place where my father was defeated and imprisoned in stone.''

The others all just sort of stared at Discord rather quizzically. "His resting place? And this is the location of the way for Chrysalis to merge the powers of the Cosmic Gems?'' Celestia asked, trying to understand.

Discord just shook his head and began to pace restlessly. "But that's just the quandary. Few to none know of the existence of Chthon, so few to none would know the location of where he was sealed. There's no way Chrysalis could even know where it is.''

"Well she used the Book of Omniscience to learn about the Cosmic Gems, who's to say she didn't also find a way to bring their powers together?'' Rarity suggested.

Celestia stepped forward and answered, ''It's a high possibility, but Twilight suggested that the Comic Gems may be affecting Chrysalis's mind. Discord, is it possible that the gems could cause a pony to be corrupted the more they possess them?''

Discord's thoughtful face then widened to an expression of great realization and fear. "Of course...''

They all looked at each other uncertainly and Applejack asked, ''So the gems are making her ornery as dogs fightin' over a bone?''

Discord turned around and replied, ''No...much worst. I have a feeling that Chthon might be controlling her.''

His listeners all gasped at Discord's answer. "How can that be possible? Chthon is supposed to be encased in stone, how could he be controlling Chrysalis?!'' Luna asked loudly.

Celestia's shock was soon replaced by a calm stern and muttered, ''It's the Cosmic Gems is it?''

Discord nodded, ''The Cosmic Gems are the remnants of Chthon, which means he still lives through the gems.''

Arcanus nodded and spoke, ''That makes sense. And if that's true, then Chthon might be altering Chrysalis' mind to take her where he wants to go, in this case-''

Discord swallowed a lump that formed among his fears and finished. "To the place where he was sealed...so that my father could once again arise and exert his cataclysmic will upon this world.''

Discord then formed a slight, thoughtful smile as he lightly stroked his goat beard. "Would actually be stupendous if-''

"Discord...'' Fluttershy suddenly spoke up, hovering with her forelegs crossed giving him a disapproving frown.

Discord visibly faltered and chuckled awkwardly, but this wasn't a humorous matter. There was frantic chatter among Quentin and his friends about the possibility of Chrysalis' next destination. They all jumped when a loud ringing of a clock, possibly from a nearby clock tower or from the castle itself, rang out. Twilight ran to one of the windows and looked outward to the right to see a spire in the shape of a clock tower the same coloration as the rest of the palace and her face dropped in fear.

"No...''she uttered under her breath. "It's eleven...''

Twilight turned her attention to the sky and aw that the sun was almost at its highest point, which distressed her even more. Twilight then turned to the others with an upset expression.

"It's eleven o'clock now!''

The rest of them had glances of fear and looked at one another. "T-that means the Harmonic Conjunction is in one hour!'' Rarity spoke in terror, a hoof over her heart.

Rainbow Dash frowned angrily and muttered, ''Cud!''

Celestia whipped back around at Discord and stepped towards him. "Discord you need to take us to where Chthon was sealed away...NOW!'' Celestia ordered forcefully.

Discord looked at her as if she'd lost her mind and looked around frantically. "Me?!'' he exclaimed.

"Yes you! You're the only one that knows where it is!'' Luna argued, coming beside her sister.

"Yes but sealed or not...I don't want to go anywhere near my father. I may have been distrustful in the past, but you have to believe me my chaos was just foal's play compared to his. Stone or not just being in his presence would destroy me!'' Discord stuttered fearfully.

The others all frowned at Discord as Rainbow Dash got in his face, ''So you're not gonna help us, is that it?! So you're just gonna let Equestria be destroyed?!''

Discord looked away shamefully as he twiddled his fingers. "Well...I...'' he muttered.

Fluttershy suddenly flew forward and looked Discord in the eyes, a stern yet also sad gaze. "Discord...you said that you wanted to be friends, and friends help each other. This is a very serious situation, so unless you want to continue being friends, then you will take us to where Chrysalis is heading.''

Her six friends all looked at each other, impressed at Fluttershy's sudden boldness. Discord looked sadly at Fluttershy and after a moment let out a sigh and spoke somberly in defeat.

''Well played Fluttershy...well played. Very well.''

The rest of her friends' faces lit happily. "Alright Fluttershy!'' Quentin praised, causing the yellow Pegasus to look back at him with a blush and a shy smile.

"Then it's settled,'' Celestia spoke up with a serious look. "We'll leave at once.''

Her subjects and Quentin agreed and upon the chatter, a sleepy voice spoke up. "Twilight?''

Twilight turned to see Spike, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he finally woke up. "Spike,'' Twilight said softly, trotting over to him. "Finally awake I see you sleepy head,'' Twilight said playfully, but with sad smile, rubbing his head.

"What's going on? What did Princess Celestia mean by 'leaving at once'?'' Spike asked groggily.

Twilight's face with disappointment as she tried to find the best way to explain to the baby dragon. "We finally figured out where Chrysalis might be headed,'' Twilight answered.

Spike's sleepy demeanor quickly faded and was replaced by a shocked expression. "Wait, seriously?!''

Twilight nodded, ''Yeah, and Discord is about to take us there.''

"But won't she have the Cosmic Gems? How are you gonna fight her? Remember what she did to Canterlot and Ponyville?'' Spike asked fearfully.

Twilight sighed sadly and spoke, ''Of course Spike, that's why we leaving, to defeat Chrysalis once and for all and make sure nothing like that ever happens again. It'll be dangerous, so it'll be best if you stayed here in Canterlot until we come back.''

Spike looked at his friend sadly and asked, ''But...what about you guys? Will you be ok?''

Twilight nodded, forcing a determined smile. "Of course we'll be ok Spike. We have the Elements of Harmony.'' Twilight pointed to her tiara resting on her head.

"Darn tootin'! Applejack added, as she, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin went over to join them. "With these bad boys, well beat that no good Chrysalis lickety split!'' Applejack assured with a confident smirk.

Rainbow Dash added with a determined, aggressive grin, ''You know it. We beat her once, and we sure as hay can do it again!''

Applejack winced a bit as she spoke up to Rainbow Dash, ''Well technically speakin' it was Princess Cadence an' Shinin' Armor that beat her last time.''

Rainbow Dash frowned and retorted irritably, ''Whatever point is she's going down anyway!''

Quentin couldn't help but chuckle at this correction. "They're right darling. As long as we stick together, we'll come out of this alright. So you don't have to worry your cute little head Spikey Wikey.'' Rarity added with a coo as she rubbed Spike on the head. Spike sighed happily with a love struck gaze as Rarity rubbed his head.

"My little ponies, we must hurry before it's too late,'' Celestia suddenly called over to the friends, taping her hoof on the ground.

"She's right! It's almost noon after all!'' Fluttershy lightly gasped.

"Well what are we waiting for?! Let's go save Equestria again!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, bouncing repeatedly.

The others all voiced their agreement. Spike suddenly embraced Twilight. "Promise me you'll come back,'' Spike pleaded to his friend.

Twilight smiled warmly, returning the hug. "We'll come back Spike, I promise.''

After a moment, the two broke apart and the seven ponies turned and headed back to the princesses. Once they regrouped, Celestia turned to Shining Armor and Cadence. "Can we trust you two to look after things until we come back?''

"Of course Princess Celestia,'' Shining Armor replied with a serious nod.

''Yes, we'll continue to lead Equestria until you're returned, ''Cadence added firmly.

Celestia nodded gratefully and Twilight walked towards her brother and sister-in-law. "Twily...'' Shining Armor spoke, giving his sister a very concerned look before bringing her in for a tight embrace.

Twilight sighed sadly, returning the embrace. "I know Armor, but don't worry, we've done things like this before.

"That doesn't mean I still can't worry about you,'' Shining Armor replied.

Twilight lifted her head and looked at Armor, giving him a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine really, especially if I'm with my friends.''

Shining Armor and Cadence gazed at her six uncertainly, but when they gave them confident smiles, they too smiled with satisfaction. "You're right Twilight. Your friends are an amazing bunch of ponies,'' Cadence smiled, and went in to join the hug.

"You better come back in one piece Twilight,'' Shining Armor said firmly, yet with a sad expression.

Twilight nodded, ''I will Armor...I promise.''

Shining Armor and Cadence responded with an embrace for the unicorn. "We love you Twilight,'' Cadence spoke tenderly.

"I love you guys too,'' Twilight responded sincerely.

To see such a tender moment, especially with family almost made Quentin tear up with emotion. "Hey Quen...'' Applejack said, tapping him on the shoulder.

"What's up AJ?'' he asked turning to her.

"Maybe you should stay here too,'' Applejack suggested with a concerned look.

Quentin looked at her, surprised by her remark. "And why would I do that?''

"It's jus' that the last time ya came with us, ya almost died. I don't want ta risk losing ya again,'' Applejack answered, giving the stallion a very forlorn look.

His answer didn't need thinking and Quentin said firmly, ''Applejack, I'm not going anywhere.''

Applejack clearly wasn't expecting her friend's reply and argued. "But Quentin-''

"But nothing!'' Quentin cut her off. "It's like Pinkie Pie said, we're friends, and friends stick together no matter what.'' He then lifted a hoof and placed it gently on her freckled cheek and gave her a fond smile. "So no matter what you say, I'm never going to leave you girls. I'm never going to leave you.''

Applejack looked at Quentin, a speechless expression on her face. As he rubbed her face, a light, rosy blush came over her cheeks and the looked at him with half shut eyes, a lovely smile on her beautiful face. They rest of their friends smiled warmly but gratefully at Quentin's answer, but Discord spoke up impatiently.

''Not to ruin this, ugh sentimental moment, but if we're going to stop Chrysalis we better leave now.''

Luna nodded seriously, "Discord's right. Time is of the essence.''

"Yes, is everypony ready?'' Celestia asked around.

Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Luna, Arcanus, and Discord voiced their readiness, though the latter said nothing and merely nodded halfheartedly. Clearly he wasn't looking forward to going to the place where his supposed father was sealed away, but there was no choice, they had to go and he was the only one that knows where it is.

"Alright girls,'' Twilight said as she made her way back to the group. Everypony's got their Elements?''

"Check!'' Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie said in unison, each displaying their gold necklaces with their cutie mark shaped gemstones in the center.

"Alright then. Discord, if you don't mind?'' Arcanus spoke.

Discord sighed as he glumly made his way towards them, ''Very well. Stay close everypony, it'll be a bumpy ride.''

As the group all stayed close to one another, they took one last glance at the worried Shining Armor, Cadence, and Spike. Spike sadly waved goodbye, to which Twilight returned with a sad smile. Discord raised his lion's paw and with a snap of his fingers, they were gone in a flash of white light. This method of transportation was much different than Arcanus'. While Arcanus' method felt as if they were spinning rapidly though space, with Discord they were all enveloped by a white light, so intense, the group except for Arcanus, Celestia, Luna, and Discord had to shield their eyes, for it was like they'd just stepped through a door of shining light. It was brief, and when the light subsided they unshielded their eyes and to their shock Quentin and his friends found themselves in an entirely new destination.

They were now somewhere among a seemingly unending rocky badlands of some sort. The eleven stood along a cliff, a small outcropping of rock that overlooked a shattered vista below. There were numerous large and high rock pillars, one standing from the vista below had a massive gap in it, as if something had taken a big bite out of it. It was similar to the canyon that led to Biblio Templum, except there was stronger winds that blew regularly. They saw more than a few craters from their point of the endless badlands, all under a cloud filled, golden sky where the sun was just visible overhead, almost reaching its high point.

"Where are we?'' Twilight finally asked, looking around.

"This isn't the same place as where we went to Biblio Templum is it?'' Quentin asked bewildered as he glanced around, a gust of wind blowing.

Discord answered darkly, ''No...this is far away from where you pones have been to.''

"So I'm to guess we're not in Equestria then?'' Luna asked with a stern frown.

"Right you are Princess,'' Discord answered rather sarcastically. Discord turned his attention back towards the ongoing terrain and continued. "What you see before you is the scarred outcome of a battle between two gods.''

The others all looked at Discord with disbelieving looks. "You mean between Chiron and Chthon? They caused all this?!'' Quentin asked in disbelief.

Discord nodded silently. "Honestly, I had hope to never step foot here. Even before reformation, I never desired to free my father. As his spawn of evil and chaos, I never wanted face his power.''

The rest just stared at Discord for a moment at his grim remark as another gust of wind blew, causing most of the group to raise a hoof over their faces.

. "Land sakes. Mighty strong winds round these parts!'' Applejack said loudly, just barely catching her hat that blew off her head.

"Really! These winds are blowing dust in my mane!'' Rarity whined, guarding her beautiful mane.

The winds were so strong that Fluttershy was even tipped back, but was caught by Rainbow Dash. "Goodness. I think that I'll just stay grounded for a bit,'' Fluttershy squeaked.

A cry pf glee rang out and they all turned to see Pinkie Pie being carried around by the strong winds. "Wee, you guys really need this!''

Some of her friends groaned and when Pinkie Pie flew towards Applejack, she grabbed her by the tail with her mouth and brought her down, much to Pinkie's disappointment. Celestia then spoke up.

''Discord, we're running out of time. Are we near the place where Chthon was sealed?''

"Yes, we're close...I know.'' Discord shuddered roughly. "Even sealed I can still feel his presence here. That path over there will lead us to his burial,'' Discord added, pointing to a rocky path that lead further in the badlands.

"The let us make way. Noon approaches quickly,'' Arcanus said in his deep, reassuring voice.

The others all agreed and Discord lead the way into the badlands. The equines and draconequus followed the path and found themselves galloping through a trench, save for Celestia, Luna, Discord, and Rainbow Dash who were flying along the way. Rock walls stood high in the trench causing a slight decrease in sunlight, but that did not stop winds from blowing against them.

"Does anypony know what time is it? We've been galloping for a while now!'' Twilight breathed as she and her friends continued their journey through the barren badlands.

Celestia gritted her teeth as she gazed upward to the golden clouded skies. Her horn then glowed with a billowing golden aura, pointed right at the sun. "I'm trying to move the sun, but nothing's happening!'' Celestia finally said disappointed, the glowing of her horn ceasing.

"Then does that mean?'' Rarity began fearfully.

"The Harmonic Conjunction is nearing. We must hurry!'' Luna finished with gritted teeth.

Rainbow Dash frowned, ''Then let's put a move on it!''

The others didn't need to be told twice and they increased their speed. Quentin didn't know how long they've been running, but eventually they came to a ravine, but immediately after coming to the ravine, the group skidded to a halt. With clenched teeth, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Celestia, Luna, and Quentin glared deeply as they saw the swarm of Changelings advancing towards a narrow opening in the rock face in front of them.

Apparently they heard them, for they turned around and hissed menacingly at the Equestrians before parting to make way for Chrysalis herself, the six Cosmic Gems floating around her.

"Ah if it isn't the Princesses Celestia and Luna along with the Elements of Harmony. Coming to witnesses my ascension to the most powerful being in the world have you?'' Chrysalis said mockingly with a smug smile.

You wish you hag!'' Rainbow Dash retorted aggressively, ready to fight.

"We've come to put a stop in your plans once in for all Chrysalis!'' Celestia growled.

Chrysalis laughed, ''Oh I seriously doubt that. In just a few moments, the power of the Cosmic Gems shall flow through me, allowing me to lay my wrath upon this pathetic world!''

At the last words, Chrysalis' voice became more distorted with that, dark, demonic voice and her eyes briefly glowed an unholy red.

Instantly Discord felt a sharp sensation throughout his body, an eerie feeling of dread. "So, it's true then?'' he thought to himself. "She really is being controlled.''

"Chrysalis, you have no idea of the danger you're putting yourself in. If you continue with your plans-'' Arcanus began but was cut off by Chrysalis.

"What I know is, that in a few, precious moment's ultimate power will be mine. And your little trinkets won't even compete with my newfound divinity!''

Discord growled, ''Fool...if only you knew of the evil you're going to unleash.''

Chrysalis leered at Discord and sneered, "Well, well, well if it isn't the legendary Discord, master of chaos. Been set free to serve as their pet have we?'' Chrysalis laughed degradingly as Discord let out another dark growl as the changeling queen continued. However, the only evil that will be unleased will be my evil. Enough of this, it's time to fulfill my destiny. Changelings destroy them!''

Her subjects obeyed their power crazed queen and proceeded to advance towards their targets, hovering and filling the air with a loud buzz as if a swarm of insects were closing in. Chrysalis turned and proceeded to go through the narrow rock way and to the light on the other side. The rest of the ponies prepared for a fight that had to be finished right away.

Before they knew it, the Changelings had charged in on them and their battle began. Like before, numbers meant nothing and the group easily fought back Changeling after Changeling.

"I'm getting sick of ya pony insect, reject freaks!'' Applejack called out as she buck a group of Changelings, sending them flying in different directions.

Rarity did and impressive spin in the air and kicked a Changeling that came after her, only to be replaced by dozen more. "These horrid things just don't know when to give up!'' Rarity groaned.

A Changeling leaped at Quentin, but he countered with a hard kick in its stomach followed by a rapid flow of punches to the face, and finally a powerful buck, sending it crashing to a group Changelings and scattering like a bowling ball hitting pins.

"That's for trying to kill me you sons of bitches!'' Quentin growled.

Discord grunted as he punched back Changelings left and right with glowing yellow claws. One Changeling tried to sneak up on him from behind and lunged at him, but Discord was prepared and with a loud grunt he thrust his lion's fist straight through a surprised Changeling's chest before thrusting his other fist through it and effortlessly ripped the minion in half.

"Oh my, Discord! Was that really necessary?'' Fluttershy asked, horrified and sickened by the sight as sickly bluish green blood puddled the ground in front of the draconequus and soaking his claws, drops of blood dripping from them.

Discord brushed off Fluttershy's comment and turned around and growled darkly, flapping the blood from his hands, ''We don't have time for this! Chrysalis will surely reach Chthon's burial.''

"No she won't!'' Luna seethed as she blasted back a few more Changelings. "We will end this!''

"Agreed Luna!'' Arcanus said and a surprisingly loud tone and a furious look on his face.

Before any of them knew it, Arcanus' horn was enveloped in a billowing, bluish white aura that quickly became intense. Arcanus let out a brief cry and leaped up on his rear legs as a massive wave of bluish white energy rippled across the scene, shocking the rest of the group greatly. Though the wave passed through them painlessly, it violently blasted back the whole swarm of Changelings. The wave of energy rippled and rippled continuously, sending the Changelings soaring into rocky walls. Finally with the spell's work done, the rippling stopped and Arcanus fell back on all fours as the light from his horn faded.

Soon after, the Changelings slid and fell down from the rock walls and on the craggy ground, like insects falling to death after coming into contact with a bug zapper. It wasn't long until the limp bodies of the Changelings swarm littered the ground around the group of eleven. Though they weren't sure if they were dead, all they knew that the changelings were no longer a threat to them.

"Damn...'' Quentin finally let out under his breath, a shocked expression upon his face.

"T-that had to be the most powerful repulsion spell I've ever seen!'' Twilight let out flabbergasted.

"Brilliant Arcanus, truly brilliant!'' Celestia praised.

Discord snorted, ''Impressive Arcanus. Could've done it better myself, but impressive nonetheless.''

"Well that takes care of these varmints,'' Applejack whistled.

"Yeah, serves you meanies right!'' Pinkie Pie added, sticking her tongue out at the nearest one.

"Quickly everypony! We must stop Chrysalis!'' Celestia suddenly spoke up seriously.

Twilight nodded with a frown. "She's right guys. This isn't over yet.''

"Then let's finish this,'' Luna spoke with determination, which Quentin and his six friends agreed.

Without hesitation, they all quickly made way down through the dimly lit fissure. Though narrow, it was large enough for all of them to venture through. Closer and closer they were getting to the light at the other end of the fissure until finally the group made it through and came out into the light. The eleven skidded to a halt and gazed in bewilderment at their new surroundings. They had come out of the fissure and into that of an ancient, decimated ruins of some kind, settled in a vast, clear area of the badlands. They walked passed a black stoned, crumbling archway as they looked around at our new surroundings.

From what the ponies saw, any and every structure was made out of coal black stone. Numerous, crumbling pillars stood about, some high, while others seemed to have broken halfway. Large black boulders littered the area as if they were the leftover debris of a large object that was destroyed in an explosion. There were also various, half destroyed stone structures that were tilted in the ground while others seemed to take the form of crudely appearing creatures, or maybe demons of some kind. In fact, the entire ruins were crudely structured, giving off an eerie, chaotic feel to them.

"Where...are we?'' Twilight asked astounded, gazing around the ancient ruins.

Discord answered, all while beginning to shudder more violently, clutching his eagle claw while his lion's paw was clutched over his chest. "This was the final site where Chthon was laying waste unto this world,'' Discord answered with a troubled tone. "This was the site where Chiron sealed my father in his stone prison.''

"I can believe that. There's somethin' bout' this place...it jus' don't feel right,'' Applejack shivered with a disturbed look.

She wasn't the only one, the rest of us felt unnerved just being in these ruins, despite it being lifeless and abandoned. Luna turned to Celestia with an unsettled look, ''Celestia...''

Celestia nodded with a stern, troubled frown, ''Yes Luna I feel it too. There is a great evil earthed here. I'm getting disgusted by the very feel of it.''

While the others looked around, Quentin looked forward and said loudly, pointing in front of them, ''Look!''

Everyone looked forward to where he was pointing at and saw the distant figure of Chrysalis taking the Cosmic Gems to a stone platform of some kind. "Quickly, we must stop her!'' Arcanus spoke up.

With gritted teeth, they all galloped after the evil queen through the ruins. Chrysalis walked up five steps and onto the large, square shaped platform, which appeared to be an altar, which seemed to have been in the very heart of the ruins. She walked to the center where rather peculiar design was etched into it. It was a depiction of a very large...creature of some kind, or was it a demon? The creature was in the center, its arms raised to the sides of its head while its legs were bent and caused a 'M' formation. The creature seemed to where nothing except for what looked like a loincloth. Like the rest of the ruins, time had did so much corrosion that it was difficult to clearly depict what kind of creature was it, though one thing it was clear that it had an equine like head as well as six empty, oval shaped slots that surrounded him.

The creature and slots were encased in a large circle with strange symbols within the circle. Though just an etching, the creature was even bigger than Chrysalis, far bigger. Chrysalis leered down at the etching and soon trailed a hoof around one of the oval shaped slots and grinned evilly.

"Six sockets for six gems. So this must be were the Cosmic Gems were created. And so this must be the only place to merge their powers in to me.''

"Chrysalis!'' Celestia bellowed.

Chrysalis' left ear twitched at the sound of incoming clopping and turned around to see Celestia, her sister, and the rest galloping towards the altar. "Well, well, it seem my minion could not stop you the worthless ingrates,'' Chrysalis began coldly, but then smiled wickedly. "But no matter, nothing can stop me now. Especially not you pathetic foals!''

With the red Power Gem, Chrysalis fired a greenish red beam of energy from her horn. Before we knew it, they were stopped and entrapped by a dome of greenish red energy. Rainbow Dash punched the dome with all her might, but to no avail.

"Damn it!'' Rainbow Dash swore.

Chrysalis laughed as she came to the edge of the stone steps. "Aw what's wrong Celestia? You're precious Elements of Harmony can't save the day for you again?''

Celestia growled as Luna seethed, ''Wretch. You have no idea what you're doing!''

Chrysalis smiled arrogantly, ''I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm going to merge the Cosmic Gems and become an almighty entity. And you pathetic mortals shall burn along with the rest of this world!''

Again at the last words, Chrysalis' voice changed to that horrible demonic state as her eyes became black with glowing red pupils. Discord felt an extreme, sharp sensation in his body and grunted, like something was repeatedly stabbing his heart and he heaved forward with his forehead against the barrier.

"Discord, are you ok?'' Fluttershy asked with concern, hovering next to the draconequus.

"Chrysalis, if you continue down this path, you will regret it!'' Discord grunted cryptically with a wince.

"I regret nothing Dissy dear!'' Chrysalis sneered. "And I'll gladly do it all again for those who would dare stand in my way! Now if you excuse, I have a world to conquer!''

As Chrysalis walked away, Celestia called out, ''Chrysalis!''

Chrysalis stopped, not looking back. "Chrysalis, please stop this. You have absolutely no idea what will happen if you merge the gems!'' Celestia tried desperately to reason with the queen.

Chrysalis didn't answer at first, but finally peered over her shoulder and relied, ''I know exactly what will happen Celestia. I will ascend to an almighty being that nopony will stand against.'' Chrysalis gave one last, evil smile before walking back to the center.

This was bad, very bad. Chrysalis was just moments away from making the biggest mistake of her life. "We need to break out of here!'' Twilight ordered and they all began to violently tried to break the barrier, but it was no use, it was simply to strong, even for a powerful unicorn like Arcanus.

"Look! Up in the sky!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

They all looked up and to their sheer horror, they saw that the moon was beginning to rise up towards the sun. Closer and closer until finally, it rose and aligned in front of the burning star, replacing the golden, shining orb into a black sphere in the sky as the solar eclipse took place. The Harmonic Convergence had begun. The instant the eclipse started, a fiery flare erupted and expanded across the skies, immediately the skies darkened considerably, but not totally, with an outline of the sunlight coming from the solar eclipse. It was as if nighttime was denying the sun to come out to bring forth the daylight.

"No...the solar eclipse. The Harmonic Convergence...it started, ''Celestia said horrified.

They all stared up in fear. "What in Chiron's name are we going to do?'' Rarity asked desperately.

No one answered, none of them could answer. Up on the altar, Chrysalis made it back to the center and looked up into the skies and when she saw the eclipse, she smiled menacingly and licked her lips grotesquely as her eyes shined and unholy red.

"The planets are in place...now's the time I've waited eons for!'' Chrysalis suddenly pinched her eyes shut and brought a hoof to her head as if she was having a severe migraine.

It was brief and when she opened her eyes, they had become normal again and she shook her head to rid herself of any daze she was feeling. "Ugh, must've been the solar eclipse...from staring at it,'' Chrysalis tried to reason to herself for the strange feeling. "No matter, time to ascend to almighty greatness!''

The six Cosmic Gems rotated around her, glowing their respected colors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQW8H1O7jGc

"No...NO!'' Quentin cried out and began to punch and buck the barrier.

The others caught on and began their assault.

"The Power Gem,'' Chrysalis spoke and with her magic, place the red gem in the first socket on the etching. "The Soul Gem,'' Chrysalis spoke again, placing the green gem in the next socket.

"C'mon...break damn it!'' Rainbow Dash cried in frustration, continuously zooming in and giving the barrier blow after blow.

"The Mind Gem,'' Chrysalis continued and placed the blue gem in another socket.

"We...got ta...break through!'' Applejack grunted as she gave off powerful bucks to the barrier.

"The Space Gem,'' Chrysalis said as she put the orange gem in another empty socket.

Celestia and Luna through gritted teeth both fired powerful blasts of magic at the barrier, but it still didn't falter.

"The Time Gem, '' Chrysalis continued as she placed the purple gem in the fifth socket, leaving one empty socket left.

Discord gritted his teeth as his claws began to glow white. With a yell, he gave the barrier a powerful punch and it cracked. Chrysalis smiled devilishly as the last, remaining gem floated in front of her.

"And the Reality Gem,'' Chrysalis concluded and she placed the yellow gem in the last socked, filling all six sockets with the Cosmic Gems.

"No!'' Discord yelled and punched the barrier again, completely causing the barrier to shatter.

"Quickly!'' Luna called and they ran towards the altar, but it was too late.

The six gems before Chrysalis began to glow even brighter and soon began to rise from the sockets in perfect unison. Chrysalis didn't take her eyes of them for once second and smiled maniacally as the Cosmic Gems rose higher into the air. At the sight of the six gems glowing in the air, Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus all came to a complete stop right at the base of the steps and watched up in alarm.

"W-What's happenin'?!'' Applejack asked.

Discord shook his head and spoke fearfully,'' The ritual has started… it's the beginning of the end of this world.''

The comment sent a cold shiver through the others. "No...'' Fluttershy whimpered.

It wasn't until the gems were at least a hundred feet in the air when they finally stopped rising and floated in their place. "At last...ultimate power is mine! This entire world is mine! Behold you fools and bear witness to my ascension! Come to me my gems...Fill me with your absolute power!'' Chrysalis shrieked gleefully, hovering just over the ground with her forelegs outstretched.

Almost on cue, the Cosmic Gems began to spin, faster and faster gaining speed with each second until there was nothing but a rapidly spinning blur that glowed from the gems. Chrysalis just stared at the spinning gems, her smile still present as she waited for her reward for collecting the six powerful artifacts. However, when the gems continued to keep spinning, her smile faded into a look of confusion.

"W-What's this? Why won't they grant me my power?'' Chrysalis asked, confused.

Quentin and the rest all looked at the gems, still spinning rapidly. "What are we going to do?'' Quentin asked no one in particular.

No one answered, just stared up at the spinning blur in the darkened skies. "N-No...this can't be happening!'' Discord said fearfully, taking a step back, trembling with fear.

The others glanced at the spirit. "Discord?'' Celestia began with bewilderment.

Discord shook his head frantically. "H-He's coming...I can feel it. And he'll destroy us all! I...I can't handle this anymore!''

Before anyone could react, Discord was gone in a flash of light. "Discord!'' Twilight screamed, but the spirit was gone to parts unknown.

"Discord...'' Fluttershy muttered in disbelief and sadness.

"He ditched us! I can't believe it, he totally bailed on us!'' Rainbow Dash criticized aggressively.

"I'm afraid we've got bigger problems at the moment Rainbow Dash,'' Arcanus cut in, looking upward.

It was unknown how long the gems have been spinning, but Chrysalis had lost her patience. "Enough! Gems, I collected you, so you answer to me and me alone. I command you to give me your power!'' Chrysalis screamed, outraged.

The Cosmic Gems kept spinning until they expanded briefly before suddenly in a blink of an eye collided together. The effect was instantaneous and massive blast of energy erupted from the gems and fired down onto the etching in the center of the altar, blasting Chrysalis back with a scream. Chrysalis shook her head, her teal mane wild and gazed at the pillar of energy. The pillar seemed to glow with the combination of all six colors of the Cosmic Gems. As the pillar of energy struck the ground, the winds increased until suddenly, the pillar started to give off a crimson red and black, fire like appearance.

The eleven equines struggled against the winds and the light when suddenly an earthshattering roar rang out. In a sudden eruption of light, a creature suddenly emerged from the center of the alter and high in the air, still engulfed in the pillar of energy and whipped around, concealed behind a two pairs of large wings, but left its face exposed as it glared down at them all with burning, red eyes.

"CHAOS. WILL. REIGN!'' It bellowed in a, dark, demonic voice to the heavens as it sprang its wings open and spread its arms with clenched fists, scattering the red pillar as burning red embers scattered everywhere.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin stared up at the entity, frozen with fear as Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus, frowned fearlessly through clinched teeth, coming in front of them with Celestia and Luna guarding them with their wings as they glared into the evil being whose eyes suddenly burst with dark red flames.

The ultimate evil has descended. Despite all their efforts and their battles, they could not prevent the revival of this entity of destruction. Chthon: father of Discord and the God of Chaos has risen once again.